Merz Pushes for EU Unity While Facing Criticism Over Border Crackdown

Just hours after his election, Germany’s new Chancellor Friedrich Merz embarked on his first diplomatic mission, flying to Paris and Warsaw in a bid to reenergize strained European alliances. The visits were rich in symbolism, signaling a shift in Berlin’s foreign policy approach—but they also exposed deep divisions, particularly over migration policy.

In both France and Poland, Merz emphasized his commitment to reviving the so-called Weimar Triangle—a trilateral forum between Germany, France, and Poland—while advocating for closer defense coordination and stronger external EU borders. His message was clear: Europe must prepare for more self-reliance amid a shifting global order and increasing transatlantic uncertainties.

Strained Franco-German Relations Get a Reboot

In Paris, Merz received a warm welcome from French President Emmanuel Macron. The two leaders highlighted their personal rapport and vowed to deepen cooperation on a range of issues including economic policy, defense strategy, and support for Ukraine. Merz proposed a “Franco-German restart,” acknowledging recent criticism that Germany had neglected its European relationships.

Among the topics discussed was the idea of a joint European nuclear umbrella, a proposal aimed at enhancing continental defense autonomy as doubts grow over the reliability of the U.S. security guarantee under President Donald Trump. While both leaders agreed to continue the discussion, Merz was careful to underline that NATO, and especially the American nuclear shield, remains irreplaceable for now.

The talks also touched on trade. Merz reiterated his opposition to Trump’s tariff policies, warning they threaten global economic stability. “Trade should benefit all, not create new barriers,” he said, aligning with Macron’s calls to protect European prosperity in an increasingly protectionist world.

Warsaw Meeting Sparks Migrant Policy Dispute

The tone shifted dramatically in Warsaw, where Merz met with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Tensions flared over Germany’s proposed migration measures, particularly the expansion of border controls and the reopening of migrant return centers near the Polish border.

Tusk denounced any suggestion that Germany could push asylum seekers into neighboring countries, calling it “unacceptable.” He warned that Poland would respond with its own border measures, escalating fears of internal divisions within the European Union. The criticism centered on a facility in Eisenhüttenstadt, near the Polish border, intended to streamline migrant returns under the Dublin Regulation. Tusk firmly rejected any efforts to transfer asylum burdens eastward.

Merz, however, defended the new policy direction. Speaking to German media, he insisted that temporary border checks were necessary due to the high levels of irregular migration in the EU. “This is not a permanent solution, but it’s a required step for now,” he said. He assured Poland of Germany’s support in strengthening EU external borders and emphasized the importance of joint European responsibility in managing migration pressures.

Domestic Pressure and a Divided Coalition

At home, Merz faces political friction even within his own coalition. His stance on border enforcement and asylum returns has already prompted disputes between the CDU/CSU and their Social Democratic coalition partners. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt moved quickly to reverse a 2015 directive that had prevented asylum rejections at the border. He also pledged to increase police presence and gradually raise the number of rejections.

Vice-Chancellor Lars Klingbeil and other SPD leaders expressed concerns about legal and humanitarian implications, reminding the public that asylum rights remain constitutionally protected in Germany. Merz, while maintaining his party’s hard line, insisted that any new measures would comply with the law.

Meanwhile, SPD veteran Matthias Miersch was appointed the new head of the party’s parliamentary group. His role will be central in balancing coalition tensions and translating the SPD’s influence into legislative outcomes—especially on topics like housing, family law, and migration, where the parties differ.

Foreign Policy: Reset or Risk?

Merz’s immediate outreach to both Paris and Warsaw sends a signal that Berlin is determined to take a more proactive role in foreign and European policy. He explicitly distanced himself from his predecessor’s more cautious diplomacy and criticized the previous government for letting bilateral ties stagnate.

His trip also comes amid renewed calls for diplomatic engagement with Moscow, with some voices—such as Sahra Wagenknecht of the BSW—urging the Chancellor to also recognize Russia’s historical role in World War II and consider diplomatic avenues in the Ukraine conflict. The German government has so far maintained a firm stance of solidarity with Kyiv, and both Merz and Macron reaffirmed ongoing support for Ukraine during their joint appearance.

Merz’s Cautious Line on Trump and U.S. Relations

With a phone call scheduled with U.S. President Donald Trump, Merz signaled both openness and caution. Speaking aboard his flight, he criticized recent American tariffs and emphasized that economic partnerships should not be viewed as zero-sum games. He also warned Washington to respect Germany’s internal political decisions, particularly after U.S. officials criticized Berlin’s classification of the far-right AfD as extremist.

While Trump sent congratulations through Vice President JD Vance, Merz hinted at limited personal enthusiasm for building ties on informal terms, quipping that he was unsure if a golf outing would be “a good idea.”

A New Era, but Unsettled Ground

Friedrich Merz’s first days in office reflect both ambition and volatility. His attempt to reset European diplomacy has garnered praise, especially in France. However, his migration policies have already created serious rifts in Poland and exposed divisions within his own coalition.

With multiple crises still unfolding—Ukraine, Gaza, trade tensions, and growing far-right influence—Merz faces the dual challenge of consolidating power at home while establishing Germany as a reliable and assertive voice on the European and global stage.